Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: Comrade117 on February 13, 2010, 09:03:20 AM

Title: Optical mouse
Post by: Comrade117 on February 13, 2010, 09:03:20 AM

I have 1 noob question.  ;D
Optical computer mouse uses laser or LED diode? :-\

Title: Re: Optical mouse
Post by: little-c on February 13, 2010, 09:53:41 AM

led.

at least, the five or so I've taken appart have.

Title: Re: Optical mouse
Post by: dunk on February 13, 2010, 11:00:34 AM

the LED is just for illumination.

the sensor is actually similar to a low resolution camera which actually "sees" the surface it's passing over and works out which way it's moving.

far more going on in your mouse than you thought right?


dunk.

Title: Re: Optical mouse
Post by: Comrade117 on February 13, 2010, 03:15:27 PM

I saw it from inside. It looks simple.  8)

Title: Re: Optical mouse
Post by: Soeren on February 13, 2010, 08:41:30 PM

Hi,

Quote from: Comrade117 on February 13, 2010, 09:03:20 AM

I have 1 noob question.  ;D
Optical computer mouse uses laser or LED diode? :-\

Some use an LED, some use a LASER, but the latter will exclaim so in big letters on the carton (and be a bit more expensive).
The best LASER mice can be used on a glass plate or a mirror, as well as on white and black surfaces. They usually has got a much wider depth of field too, but that's probably due to better optics and/or firmware.